Urban atmospheres.

Area of Science:

• Urban Studies
• Cultural Geography
• Phenomenology

Background:

• Defining 'urban atmosphere' beyond physical air quality.
• Exploring the subjective and experiential dimensions of urban environments.
• Connecting atmospheric phenomena to broader cultural, political, and philosophical discourse.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically examine the concept of urban atmospheres.
• To explore the relationship between affective atmospheres, space, and subjectivity.
• To analyze the cultural and political implications of sensory experiences in urban settings.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis drawing on phenomenology, materialism, and theories of agency.
• Examination of changing characteristics of air and light in urban environments.
• Critical reflection on existing understandings of urban atmospheres.

Main Results:

• Urban atmospheres are complex phenomena encompassing moods and shared corporeal experiences.
• Affective atmospheres are linked to phenomenology, agency, and materialism.
• Sensory experiences of air and light carry significant cultural and political weight.

Conclusions:

• Contemporary understandings of urban atmospheres are marked by tensions and anomalies.
• Further research is needed to fully grasp the multifaceted nature of urban atmospheres.
• Urban atmospheres offer a critical lens for understanding contemporary urban life.